The Team

Meet Ann

Canine Instructor Trainer · Canine Instructor · Groomer · Hydrotherapy Practitioner

Ann brings more than two decades of hands-on expertise, compassionate care, and qualified skill to our team. Originally from South Africa, she has called the UAE home since 2002, dedicating her life to improving the health, comfort, and happiness of dogs across the region.

Ann began working professionally with dogs in 1998, developing an exceptionally well-rounded foundation in every aspect of canine well-being. Whether she is guiding a recovering dog through low-impact rehabilitation in the pool, setting a new puppy up for lifelong success, or offering clinical support, her approach is rooted in patience, science, and a genuine love for animals.

Her formal qualifications reflect her deep commitment to the highest industry standards:

• Canine Hydrotherapy: Certified Canine Hydrotherapy Practitioner (Certificate with ACRA)
• Training & Instruction: Level 3 K9 Instructor Trainer Certificate (South Africa), Diploma in Dog Training, and Diploma in Puppy Training
• Behaviour & Therapy: Diplomas in Canine Behaviour Therapy, Canine Behavior Training, Canine Communication, and Animal Assisted Therapy
• Veterinary Support & Care: Veterinary Assistant Diploma
• Grooming: Diploma in Professional Dog Grooming
• Health & Welfare: Diplomas in Canine First Aid, Canine Nutrition, and Animal Welfare
• Continuing Professional Development (In Progress): Diplomas in Canine Holistic Health Therapy, Understanding K9 Anxiety, Care of the Elderly Dog, and Herbalism for Animals

By combining hydrotherapy, veterinary nursing support, modern behavioral science, and holistic care, Ann assesses every dog through a complete wellness lens. Owners trust her calm reassurance and practical guidance, knowing their pets are in experienced, capable hands from the moment they walk through our doors.

Meet Thamer

Canine Instructor Trainer · Canine Instructor

Thamer is an Emirati national whose passion for dogs runs deep. He combines a disciplined, science-driven approach with a calm, steady presence that puts both dogs and their owners at ease from the very first meeting.

His expertise centers on understanding and shaping canine behaviour, with a particular focus on the cases that need it most. His crowning achievement is a Master Certificate in Canine Aggression, giving him the specialised tools to work with reactive and challenging dogs where patience and precision matter above all.

Thamer's formal qualifications reflect his commitment to the highest industry standards:

• Training & Instruction: Level 3 K9 Instructor Trainer Certificate (South Africa)
• Behaviour & Therapy: Diploma in Canine Behaviour Therapy, and Master Certificate in Canine Aggression
• Health & Welfare: Diplomas in Animal Welfare, Canine First Aid, and Canine Nutrition

Every dog he works with receives care that considers the whole animal, not just the behaviour in front of him.

Owners consistently praise his ability to read a dog's body language quickly and to explain complex behavioural ideas in ways that make sense for everyday life. Whether he is rehabilitating a reactive dog or setting a foundation for a new puppy, Thamer's focus is always the same: building trust, building confidence, and giving every dog a real chance to thrive.

Meet Michael

Medical Consultant

Michael is a South African who has lived in the UAE since 2002. He specialises in emergency medical care and holds a certificate in canine first aid and emergency care, in addition to his experience in human medicine. He also heads up the canine blood donation program at Howler House Pets.

Michael serves the company as a voluntary Medical Consultant and is not directly employed by it. He is available for consultation at any time, day or night, to provide emergency medical guidance and help the on-site team determine appropriate next steps.

His support has been especially valuable in urgent situations involving aggressive dogs undergoing behaviour modification. When immediate assistance is needed, the on-site team consults Michael while also contacting the appropriate local medical and veterinary services.

Meet Vanessa

Feline Consultant

Vanessa is a trusted consultant to our team, lending her expertise specifically to feline medical care and cat rescue operations. Originally from South Africa, she dedicates herself to a cause that often goes overlooked, working tirelessly to give abandoned, injured, and vulnerable cats a second chance.

Her true specialty lies in rescuing cats that require medical care and assistance, the cases many others turn away. From managing wounds and illness to supporting recovery through long-term rehabilitation, Vanessa focuses on the cats who need the most help to survive.

Her rescue journey began at the onset of the COVID pandemic, when the crisis left countless cats without homes or care. In the years since, Vanessa has built deep, hands-on knowledge of feline health and the realities of running a successful rescue, from emergency intake and medical triage to fostering, rehabilitation, and rehoming.

Though she is not with us full-time, Vanessa's guidance is an invaluable resource whenever we face a feline medical question or take on a new rescue case. Colleagues and adopters alike value her calm, practical judgment and her unwavering commitment to every cat that crosses her path.

Meet Angelo

Canine Handler

Angelo is a dedicated animal lover from the Philippines who has been living in the UAE for four years. Growing up surrounded by dogs, he developed a natural connection with them and a deep appreciation for their different personalities and needs.

He is attentive and patient with every dog in his care, taking the time to help them feel comfortable, safe, and understood. Whether a dog is playful and energetic or quiet and cautious, Angelo responds with kindness and care.

For Angelo, caring for dogs means more than meeting their everyday needs; it means building trust and giving them affection and attention. He treats every dog as if it were his own, making sure each one feels loved and well cared for.

Meet Thorn

Canine Handler

Thorn has been part of the Howler House team for five years, bringing genuine enthusiasm to his work as a dog handler. He enjoys building a rapport with each dog and adapting his care to help them feel at ease and well supported.

Committed to developing his knowledge, Thorn has completed certificates in animal welfare, canine nutrition, adult and puppy training, and canine first aid, among other areas. His studies help him bring a thoughtful, informed approach to his work and to the everyday care of the dogs.

Thorn values the trust involved in handling dogs and understands the importance of patience, attentiveness, and consistency. He enjoys being part of their progress and is dedicated to making their time at Howler House positive, safe, and enriching.

Meet Lila

Canine Handler

Originally from Nepal, Lila has been a canine handler at Howler House Pets for two years and also works as an assistant groomer. He is known for his friendly nature and willingness to help, bringing a positive, supportive attitude to his work with the team and the dogs.

Lila genuinely loves spending time with the dogs and pays close attention to their individual needs, comfort, and well-being. As an assistant groomer, he helps support their grooming care with patience and a gentle approach, helping them feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

Whether he is assisting with grooming, supporting their daily care, or offering a reassuring presence, Lila is attentive and caring. His warmth and readiness to lend a hand make him a valued part of the Howler House Pets team.